Research fishing makes up one of the two survey sampling gears used in the Bottomfish Fishery independent Survey in the Main Hawaiian Islands (BFISH). A standard research fishing sample was conducted at each primary sampling unit (PSU) that was allocated to the research fishing gear as a part of the stratified random sampling design process. A standard research fishing sample consisted of 30 minutes of active hook and line fishing within the PSU by one vessel using two lines. Each line was fished with four hooks and two bait types, squid and fish. Catch is reported in terms of kilograms (kg) where the weight of the catch was determined using the species length and allometric relationship. More information on how this data is incorporated into the stock assessment can be found here.

This document visualizes patterns in species specific catch for research fishing conducted as a part of BFISH sampling.

Catch comparison between paired baits within sample

Encounter probability

Positive catch

Nominal CPUE